Florida State's Dan Hicks applies defensive pressure during the Seminoles' game against North Carolina State last season Oct. 29.

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His father, Dan Footman, was known for intimidating quarterbacks and the men who tried to protect them. But after spending the past three years following in those pass-rushing footsteps, Florida State junior Dan Hicks is switching allegiances.

Hicks, who served as Brandon Jenkins' top backup at right defensive end each of the past two seasons, is making the transition to tight end during FSU's spring drills. And while he hopes to eventually use his athletic ability to run pass patterns and catch passes, his primary objective in the short term will be slowing down pass-rushers like him and ...